Tony Chapman, the Bushgardens chairperson, said the site was developing into an important community and regional resource.

Mr Chapman said the vision of the gardens as a ‘one-stop shop’ was beginning to become a reality.

The plans for a new plant nursery, volunteer/education centre, sales and administration area as well as a new main entrance from Research Road are well under way.

“During the past year, giant strides have been taken towards the realisation of that vision,” Mr Chapman said.

Visitors to the Bushgardens will notice the first stage of the development plan is already under way.

A shadehouse has been built and the site of the volunteer/education centre has been marked out.

Planting of the Bluegum Woodland has also begun.

During the past 12 months the spring and autumn ‘open days’ sold more than $10,000 worth of plants, across the two events.

These events are made possible through the dedication of the Bushgardens staff and volunteers.

“The heart and soul of the Bushgardens is its diverse labour force of volunteers,” Mr Chapman said.

A conservative estimate has revealed the volunteers contributed more than 8000 working hours, worth about $170,000, this past fiscal year.